The Problem
Impostor syndrome gets thrown around a lot. If you use it regularly to describe how you feel, you’re not alone. I’ve said, “I have impostor syndrome” three or four times in the past week alone! However the word “syndrome” has started to give me pause: its synonyms are disorder, problem, and sickness. This indicates there is something wrong with you when you experience it. So I wonder if it is less of a syndrome and instead a temporary feeling you have:
- In certain situations
- With some people
- While doing specific tasks
The Big Small Thing
You don’t have impostor syndrome; you have impostor moments.
Here are four questions to ask yourself that help you take the long view of all the moments that make up your work life:
- When have I knocked a similar project out of the park in the past three years?
- How has my work positively impacted others this year?
- What have I gotten better at this week?
- What am I proud of today?
You do impressive stuff at work ALL THE TIME. Remember that.
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How This Helps You Chase What You Want
When you think of impostor syndrome as an always-on condition, it limits your personal and professional growth. It can block your productivity, creativity, and ability to take on challenging stuff. Chasing what you want requires all those things! When you think of it as fleeting moments, it feels more manageable and part of the ebb and flow of your day, week, and year. Here’s to living moment-to-moment at work.
